How Inactive Cell Components Affect Gas Evolution and Capacity of Li ₄ Ti ₅ O ₁₂ ‐Based Cells

Spinel‐type Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 (LTO) is considered a promising candidate as an alternative negative electrode active material to graphite in lithium ion batteries due to its excellent cycle life, safety properties, and rate capability. To be able to exploit the full potential of LTO‐based cells it is important to consider the impact of inactive cell components on the overall cell performance. Therefore, this study focuses on how the gassing behavior of LTO‐based cells is influenced by the electrode surface area which is determined by both active material and conductive additive. Beyond that, the impact of the binder material and respective electrode paste processing solvent is analyzed. Finally, it is shown how pressure distribution and cathode overhang can affect the performance of LTO‐based cells. Both factors have a distinct impact on the cell capacity during cyclic aging and thus, play an important role especially when considering the choice of different experimental cell setups.